Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe resigns

ZIMBABWE — President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe announced his resignation, ending almost four decades of rule.

“I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section 96 of the constitution of Zimbabwe hereby formally tender my resignation… with immediate effect,” Mugabe said in his letter, which Mudenda read out in parliament.
“My decision to resign is voluntary on my part and arises from my concern for the welfare of the people of Zimbabwe and my desire for a smooth, non-violent transfer of power,” the letter continued.

The news was delivered as a joint session of parliament convened to debate a motion to impeach the 93-year-old leader. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa would take over as interim president. Mnangagwa, also known as “the Crocodile” fled to South Africa saying that he feared for his safety.

“Mnangagwa… will come back in the next 24 hours or so and he will be the one who will be sworn in to be (interim) president for 90 days,” said party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo on Tuesday.